Delayed, Not Denied: Trusting God’s Perfect Timing

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’” Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV)

If I'm discouraged because of God’s delay in answering my prayers, understand the delay is not a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn’t come yet doesn’t mean God isn’t going to answer—or that he’s forgotten me or doesn’t care about me. It simply means “not yet”!

Part of becoming spiritually mature is learning the difference between “no” and “not yet,” between a denial and a delay. The Bible tells us, “He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37 NIV).

God’s delay may be a test of my patience. Anybody can be patient once. And most people can be patient twice—or even three times. God will test my patience over and over.

Does he do this to see how patient you are? No, he does it so I can see how patient I am. His testing helps me see God’s power at work in me and examines my level of commitment to him.

God tests me also so that I can know he is faithful, even if the answers I seek are delayed.

I may go through difficult times. I may be discouraged because the situation I face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair.

It may seem unbearable, and inside I'm basically saying, “God, I can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take it anymore!”

But I can. I can stay with it longer because God is with me. He’ll equip me to press on.

Remember, I'm never a failure until I quit. Resist discouragement and finish the race God has set before me.

In summary:

When God delays in answering prayers, it’s not a denial—it’s a test of faith and patience. Learning to distinguish between “no” and “not yet” is part of spiritual growth. Though discouragement may come during difficult or seemingly unfair times, God remains faithful, and His timing is perfect. These delays help reveal my endurance and dependence on Him. I’m not alone; God equips me to keep going. I only fail if I quit—so I must persevere and trust that His promises will be fulfilled in due time.

Bottom line:

God’s delays are not denials—stay patient, trust His timing, and don’t give up, because He is faithful and will fulfill His promises.